In this episode of The Functional Alignment Podcast, Dr. Abby Borkowski pulls back the curtain on the hormone everyone is talking about: GLP-1. Dr. Abby explains how your body is actually its own "GLP-1 factory" and how you can optimize this natural satiety signal through intentional nutrition and lifestyle shifts. You'll learn the four primary jobs of GLP-1—from silencing "food noise" in the brain to slowing digestion in the gut—and walk away with three actionable strategies to boost your levels naturally. Whether you're looking to support metabolic health or simply align your habits with your biology, this episode provides the blueprint for mastering your body’s internal "fullness" signals.

Work 1:1 with Dr. Borkowski at Thrive Medical

In this "Ask Me Anything" episode, Dr. Abby Borkowski pulls questions from her Instagram followers to discuss trending wellness topics, from morning rituals to clinical testing.

Dr. Abby answers top questions from her community regarding common health trends.

• Daily Rituals: High-quality extra virgin olive oil shots provide anti-microbial benefits for the gut microbiome.
• Thyroid Health: A comprehensive panel—including TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and antibodies—is necessary for an accurate health picture.
• Luteal Phase Support: Counteract insulin resistance during the second half of your cycle by pairing "naked carbs" with protein or fiber.
• Cortisol Awareness: Chronic high stress eventually leads to "empty tank" low cortisol; both can cause 2:00 AM–4:00 AM wake-ups.
• Recommended Staples: Dr. Abby favors Equip Foods beef protein and DIY electrolytes made from high-quality sea salt and citrus.
  • EQUIP Foods - code THRIVEMEDICAL

Working with Dr. Abby

Initial consultations last one hour and focus on connecting the dots between your history and current symptoms. Dr. Abby emphasizes that patients must be ready to do the work, as lifestyle implementation is more powerful than any supplement list.

Follow Dr. Abby: @dr.abbyborkowski.

Acne is rarely a "topical deficiency"; it is typically an external sign of internal imbalances in the gut, immune system, and nervous system. Dr. Abby emphasizes that treatments like birth control or creams often mask symptoms rather than curing the imbalance.

Clinical Case Findings (please note - this is a specific case and not generalized advice)

• Gut Issues: Testing revealed "leaky gut," dysbiosis (overgrowth), and a high sensitivity to gluten.
• Hormonal Imbalance: High DHEA-S indicated adrenal overdrive, while testosterone was being metabolized into a more potent form (DHT), driving cystic breakouts.
• Immune State: The patient was in a state of chronic immune activation, partly triggered by gluten.

Treatment Strategy

1. Nervous System Reset: Prioritize sleep and vagus nerve work to move the body into a "rest and digest" state.
2. Dietary Shift: Eliminate gluten and processed foods in favor of nutrient-dense, warming whole foods.
3. Digestive Support: Use bitter-rich foods (arugula, artichoke) to optimize enzyme function.
4. Targeted Support: Once the system calmed, specific supplements were used.

Next Step: Dr. Abby is accepting new patients for virtual or in-person consultations. Visit her Instagram @dr.abbyborkowski for more info or use the booking link here.